Prepare your data for import into QuickBooks

An import file can be any data file that you create (usually in a spreadsheet
application) and then save in Microsoft Excel (.xls) or comma-separated
values (.csv) format.

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You can either create an import file from scratch or export
data to an Excel or CSV file and then modify the resulting information.
If you don't already have a QuickBooks company, you can export lists from a
sample data file (sample_product-based business.qbw or sample_service-based
business.qbw).

The contents of each file is a table where each row is a different record and
each column is a different field. When importing a customer list, for example,
each row is a different customer and each column is a different piece of customer-related
information (such as the customer's name, phone number, or e-mail address).

When creating an import file, follow these guidelines:

Create one file for each type of data you want to import; for example,
don't mix customers and vendors in the same file.

Include all required fields and make sure that the data you enter in each field
is valid for that type of field. For more information, review the data requirements for each type of list.

Data requirements for import files

Select the type of list you are importing to find out more about the data requirements,
including which fields can be imported and the kind of data allowed in each
field. You do not need to import all fields; however some fields are required.